Theatre of Blood Film Review - Vincent Price Gets Even

Theatre of Blood was a 1973 British horror film, and had Vincent Price in magnificent form as hammy Shakespearian actor Edward Lionheart. Lionheart is thought to be dead, but, unfortunately, for his critics (and there were many), he's alive, and out for revenge. It's hard as to what is worst, really. The thought of dying at Lionheart's hands, or the fear of having to endure a snatch of one of his wretched performances - which would probably kill the critics off anyway.

What is truly notable about this film, is that it has an ingenious idea. Namely, Lionheart takes the deaths of characters in Shakespeare plays, and plays them out for real - with the critics as his victims. It's pretty gory, and Lionheart shows no mercy. It's a movie which should probably make every critic think about the consequences of their actions. There's probably lots of Lionhearts out there just biding there time...

Very ably assisted by his daughter, Edwina, played quite coolly by Diana Rigg, who also looks good with a moustache, Lionheart goes around shutting up many leading critics in a matter-of-fact way.

Quaking British Stars

Like so many horror films, there's a dark, atmospheric quality to Theatre of Blood, and quite a few meths drinkers - but throw in a brooding, vengeful Shakespearian actor and this gives the film a surreal quality.

Lionheart's victims reads like a Who's Who of British acting, but you'll have to see the film to see who, as it's fun to spot the famous faces! Arthur Lowe, who plays Horace Sprout, has the best death, I think, but you can decide for yourself. At least his end was quick...

Edward Lionheart meets his match with Peregrine Devlin (gotta be a critic with a name like that), played by Ian Hendry, who gives Lionheart a lot of lip...I won't spoil the ending, but it's not the one I wanted! Theatre of Blood is a genuine horror classic, though often overlooked, so I hope I've put the record straight! Watch it, and don't have nightmares. I can see it rolling out of bed right now...

Movie Star Clerihews (2) - Kathleen Turner, Vincent Price, Richard Gere